Abductions, extraditions: LHC seeks reports, comments from secretary foreign affairs

Chief Justice Lahore High Court (LHC) here on Tuesday sought report and comments from secretary foreign affairs till November 10 in a petition against alleged abduction and extradition to foreign countries of seven Pakistani citizens earlier detained in an Afghanistan jail.
The petition was filed by Sultana Noon, a representative in Pakistan of a UK based organisation through her counsel Salman Akram Raja for the seven abductees included Awal Khan, Hamidullah Khan, Abdul Haleem Saifullah, Fazal Karim, Amal Khan, Iftikhar Ahmad and Younus Rehmatullah.
Taking serious note of delay in filing report, Chief Justice directed secretary ministry of foreign affairs to submit report by next date, otherwise court would summon him in person in the court. The petitioner alleged that detainees were abducted from the prison and handed over to foreign countries without any reason. Noon contended that ordinary citizens of Pakistan who were suspected of being involved in any purported wrongdoings deserved to be benefited from the presumption of innocence and due process rather then be handed over to foreign powers for rendition torture abroad.
She alleged that Pakistani authorities played their role in the abduction and extradition of these citizens to foreign countries. The petitioner prayed that the respondent ministries be directed to make representation, as required by law on behalf of abducted citizens of Pakistan and arrangements for their release and extradition to the country.